India's gig and platform workforce powers food delivery, quick commerce, ride-hailing, home services and field maintenance, and it keeps growing in 2026. For domestic companies and global brands entering India, engaging these workers is no longer just an operations decision; it is a compliance and reputation decision. This GRPL India guide explains what employers and aggregators should know.
Who Counts as a Gig or Platform Worker?
The Code on Social Security, 2020 recognises gig workers as people who work outside a traditional employer–employee relationship, and platform workers as those who find work through an online platform. Delivery riders, freelance technicians, drivers and on-demand beauticians often fall into these groups. Contract staff supplied through a staffing company, by contrast, remain employees of that contractor with full wage and social security coverage.
Social Security Duties for Aggregators
Under the Code, aggregators can be required to contribute a small percentage of turnover, capped as a share of payments made to gig and platform workers, towards a social security fund. Rules continue to be notified, so check the latest position with the Ministry of Labour & Employment before finalising contracts.
Register Workers on e-Shram
The e-Shram portal is the national database of unorganised, gig and platform workers. Encouraging and helping your workers register gives them access to welfare schemes and builds trust. Many companies now run registration camps during onboarding.
Choose the Right Engagement Model
- Direct gig engagement: flexible, but needs clear terms, fair pay per task in INR and grievance channels.
- Staffing or contract model: workers are on a staffing partner's payroll with PF via EPFO and ESI via ESIC; ideal for steady volumes.
- Hybrid: a permanent core team plus gig capacity for peaks.
Fair Engagement Builds Retention
Transparent payout calculations, accident insurance, safety gear, reasonable working hours and quick dispute resolution reduce churn. Follow the ILO Fair Recruitment Initiative principle that no worker pays to get work, and avoid opaque penalties.
How GRPL India Supports Employers
GRPL India, together with Galaxy Resource (Galaxy Resource Pvt Ltd), Optistaff Solutions Private Limited (Optistaff), Zeevika Consultancy, Bharti HR and Naukri Hunter, helps employers design compliant gig, contract and permanent workforce models across Indian cities. We recruit and onboard delivery, field service and support teams at scale and publish openings on JobGetway and the National Career Service (NCS) portal. Read more employer guides on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gig workers entitled to PF?
Gig workers are generally covered through dedicated social security schemes rather than standard PF; contract employees on a staffing payroll do receive PF and ESI where eligible.
Can GRPL India manage pan-India gig onboarding?
Yes. We run multi-city sourcing, documentation and e-Shram registration support for employers.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Planning a compliant gig or contract workforce in India? Contact GRPL India on 9984703333, 8188998866 or 8188998899, email info@galaxyresource.in, or walk in at Sahara Shopping Centre, First Floor, Office No. 293 & 294, Near Lekhraj Market Metro Station, Gate No. 3, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Browse current openings, reach us through the contact page, or explore more roles on JobGetway.
GRPL India never charges candidates any fee for interviews or placement.